PNBR riders rolling down Kelly Drive on Saturday, Aug. 28

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A midafternoon thunderstorm couldn’t stop the flood of flesh that was the Philly Naked Bike Ride.

Considered second in size only to Portland’s, the body-positivity event has been held in Philadelphia since 2009, attracting thousands to strip down and mount up — often decorated with colorful body paint or other creative accoutrements.

Organizers were determined to make this summer’s ride work after getting derailed by the pandemic last year. To follow the city’s COVID regulation, they adopted the mantra of “clothes off, masks on,” and it appeared most participants followed the rules.

Riders gathered Saturday at the starting point at Glendinning Rock Garden to disrobe and apply body paint. Around 5 p.m., they followed ride leaders on a route that snaked through many different neighborhoods, eventually ending nearby in Matthias Baldwin Park.

Scroll down to check out photos from the 2021 ride.

Jim O’Connor and Melanie Fortino, who met at a Naked Bike Ride 10 years ago and have been going ever since Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Body as canvas Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Getting into the spirit Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Getting the message out Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Skintight bike shorts Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Spectators lined up to watch the nude cyclists begin their ride Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Audrey Ardanaz paints on Jay Roberts, visiting from out of state Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Audrey Ardanaz painting on themselves Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
If you’re going to wear clothing, the more creative the better Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Preparing for the ride at Glendinning Rock Garden Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Disrobing as preparation Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
A driver is not pleased with the traffic disruption Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Some drivers chose to ignore the whole thing Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
BYO street markings Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Philly has plenty of built-in bike infrastructure Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Supportive (and curious) spectators Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
‘Clothes off, masks on’ taken very literally Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Novel crosswalk pattern Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Special decoration sported by Tim Williams, from Richmond, Va. Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Jim B., from Michigan, was the first biker to Baldwin Park Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn
Relaxing at the finish line in Matthais Baldwin Park Credit: Daniella Heminghaus for Billy Penn